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Incorporating the risk of knowledge loss in supply chain risk management

Abdelkader Daghfous (School of Business Administration, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates)
Abroon Qazi (School of Business Administration, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates)
M. Sajid Khan (School of Business Administration, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates)

The International Journal of Logistics Management

ISSN: 0957-4093

Article publication date: 11 March 2021

Issue publication date: 15 October 2021

1063

Abstract

Purpose

The literature on supply chain risk management (SCRM) has investigated a multitude of supply chain risks. This paper aims to make a case for the importance of managing the risk of knowledge loss in the supply chain management (SCM) function and incorporating knowledge loss as a critical risk within the SCRM process.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts a knowledge-based view of the SCRM process and attempts to bring to light insights based on a synthesis of the relevant literature. The authors conducted a systematic literature review of peer-reviewed articles published between 1998 and 2019. Further, a case study was conducted to illustrate the significance of the risk of knowledge loss in the SCM function in terms of how it operates and why it has such a significant impact on performance.

Findings

Knowledge loss is a relatively neglected type of supply chain risk that can be added to the existing typologies. This paper argues that knowledge loss in the SCM function has the propensity to significantly impact the performance of the focal firm, exacerbate other types of supply chain risk and impede risk mitigation efforts. We put forth several strategies that supply chain managers can adopt to mitigate the risk of knowledge loss in their function.

Research limitations/implications

This paper generates an exploratory opening that could pave the way for a systematic theory of knowledge loss as a supply chain risk and future empirical research. The study culminates in a number of important insights and initiatives for supply chain managers to recognize and manage the risk of knowledge loss.

Originality/value

This paper argues for the importance of incorporating the risk of knowledge loss in SCRM research and practice. It also provides an examination of some promising angles for future research in SCRM from a knowledge-based perspective.

Keywords

Citation

Daghfous, A., Qazi, A. and Khan, M.S. (2021), "Incorporating the risk of knowledge loss in supply chain risk management", The International Journal of Logistics Management, Vol. 32 No. 4, pp. 1384-1405. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJLM-06-2020-0225

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited

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